Building a Legacy: IPPS-ER Foundation Updates
The IPPS Eastern Region Foundation is proud to report another successful year. With pandemic shortages behind us and a strong economy, your Foundation awarded over $13,000 in 2024, including $8,000 in scholarships, $3,000 in internship grants, and $2,000 for undergraduate research. Many of our recipients have recorded videos sharing their gratitude and experiences, which you can view on our YouTube channel: IPPS-ER Foundation.
Since its founding in 2006, the Foundation has fulfilled its promise to establish a perpetual fund supporting education and research in our industry. Thanks to strong market performance and generous donations at recent annual meetings, the Foundation’s assets now exceed $520,000. With a responsible investment strategy and an annual spending cap of 4% of the fund’s year-end balance, the Foundation is positioned to support students and interns for generations to come.
We’re also exploring two exciting new opportunities for growth:
- Young Propagator Exchange Program – In collaboration with the Southern Region IPPS and the GB&I Region, this initiative would foster international exchange for young propagators. This year, Edward Coates of England attended the ER conference in Columbus and gained valuable experience at nurseries and gardens in Ohio and Kentucky.
- Student Travel Grants – Supporting student attendance at the annual meeting has been a hallmark of the Eastern Region. Covering these costs, which total $5,000-$7,000 annually, could become a new focus for the Foundation, ensuring future members and students continue to benefit.
As Thanksgiving approaches, take a moment to reflect on the vision and dedication of the IPPS members who established the Foundation and those who continue to contribute to its mission. This effort has created a lasting legacy, and we invite you to be a part of its future. No donation is too small.
How to Donate:
- Make an online donation: Click Here
- Send a check to:
IPPS-ER Foundation
P.O. Box 5764
Wakefield, RI 02880